Temperature controlled mixing valve



Jan. 30, 1951 c. R. SUSK-A 2,539,598

TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED MIXING VALVE Filed Nov. 4, 1948 9 Sheets-Sheet l,l' ju g afinsusifa 57 m M M Jan. 30, 1951 c. R. susKA 2,539,598

I TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED MIXING VALVE Filed Nov. 4, 1948 9 Sheets-Sheet2 7?- &.

(llmlllllllih awe/Wm Jan. 30, 1951 I c. R. susKA 2,539,598

TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED MIXING VALVE Filed Nov. 4, 1948 9 Sheets-Sheet 5Jan. 30, 1951 c. R. SUSKA 2,539,593

TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED MIXING VALVE Filed Nov. 4, 1948 9 sheets-sum 4Jan. 30, 1951 c. R. SUSKA 2,539,598

TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED MIXING VALVE Filed Nov. 4, 1948 9 Sheets-Sheet 6afi usia'a Jan. 30, 1951 c. R. SUSKA TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED MIXING VALVE9 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Nov. 4, 1948 QLM Jan. 30, 1951 c. R. susKA2,539,598

TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED MIXING VALVE Filed Nov. 4, 194a 9 Sheets-Sheet 8COLD /N 3mm ll afa us7ta,

Patented Jan. 30, 1951 UNITED STATES DFFlCE TEMPERATURE CONTROLLEDMIXING VALVE Charles R. Suska, Corry, Pa., assignor to Aero Supply Mfg.Co. Inc., Corry, Pa.

24 Claims.

This invention relates to temperature controlled mixing valves.

An object of this invention is to provide a mixing valve wherein atleast two fluids of different temperatures are adapted to be mixedtogether .with the temperature of the mixed fluids controlled by meansof thermostatic switches connected to the valve plug operator.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mixing valve includingat least one quick acting thermostatic switch which is connected to asolenoid valve operator so that the temperature of the mixed fluids willbe held toa predetermined minimum and maximum.

Another object of this invention is to provide in combination with amulti-pole time switch, a mixing valve, an electric operator for thevalve, thermostatic switches connected to the time switch and theelectric operator whereby a predetermined temperature of fluid passingthrough the valve will be maintained for a selected time period, and afloat operated switch adapted to cut off current to the time switch andthe thermostatic switches when a predetermined quan tity of mixed fluidshas been discharged into a receiver, such as a washing machine or thelike.

A further object of this invention isto provide a modulated valveoperation in a mixing valve so that tempered fluid may be dischargedfrom the valve, the physical movement of the valve plug being effectedby means of a solenoid connected to a series of thermostatic switcheswhich are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

A further object of this invention is to provide in a mixing valve, anelectrically operated valve plug, the plug having associated therewith apilot valve which upon being moved to open position will providesubstantially equalized pressures on opposite sides of the main valveplug in order that the movement of the main valve plug to open or mixingposition may be effected by a relatively small operator.

A further object of this invention is to provide in a mixing valve ofthis kind an electric operator which is so connected with the valve plugas to provide an initial lost motion and a subsequent hammer force onthe valve plug in order that the electric operator will not be subjectedto an initial full load. Where a pilot valve is used with the main valveplug, the pilot valve is also subjected to a hammer force, and there isa further lost motion between the pilot valve and the main valve withthe latter being subjected to a final hammer force.

With the above and other objects in view, my

2 invention consists in the arrangement, combination and details ofconstruction disclosed in the drawings and specifications, and then moreparticularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a plan view of a temperature control mixing valveconstructed according to an embodiment of this invention,

Figure 2 is a detail end elevation of the device,

Figure 3 is a detail side elevation of the device,

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line (3- 5 ofFigure 1,

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 5-5 ofFigure 4,

Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 6-5 of Figure4,

Figure '7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line li of Figure4,

Figure 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 3-8 of Figure4,

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view showing the electric circuits embodiedin this invention,

Figure 10 is a fragmentary sectional View taken on the line i G-lfl ofFigure 4,

Figure 11 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line H-i l ofFigure 4,

Figure 12 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line iii-52 ofFigure 4,

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view of a modified form of this invention,

Figure 14 is a detail side elevation of another modification of thisinvention,

Figure 15 is a sectional view taken on the line i5l5 of Figure 14,

Figure 16 is a diagrammatic view showing the electric circuits embodied'in the modiflication shown in Figures 14 and 15,

Figure 17 is a detail side elevation of another modification of thisinvention,

Figure 18 is a detail end elevation of the structure shown in Figure1'7,

Figure 19 is a plan view of the structure shown in Figures 17 and 18,-

Figure 20 is a fragmentary sectional view take on the line 2E2t ofFigure 17,

Figure 21 is a sectional view taken on the line 25-2! of Figure 17, I a

Figure 22 is a vertical section taken substantially on the line 2222 ofFigure 19,

Figure 23 is a fragmentary vertical section of another modification ofthis invention, and. V

Figure 24 is a diagrammatic view of a modified 3 form of electriccircuit for use with the valves herein disclosed.

Referring to the drawings and first to Figures 1 to 12 inclusive, thenumeral designates generally a valve housing which i formed with a pairof fluid intake nipples 26 and 21 through which hot or cold fluidsrespectively are adapted to pass. The housing 25 includes a chamber 28within which the hot fluid initially engages, and a strainer or screen29, of cylindrical configuration, is disposed in the chamber 28.

A plu 30 is threaded into the housing 25 and bears against a gasket 3|with a flanged annulus 32 bearing against the gasket 3 l. The flangedannulus 32 engages about the outer end of the screen or strainer 29, anda similar flanged annulus 33 is secured to the inner end of the screen29. The inner flanged annulus '33 bears against a split seat formingring 34 which is disposed at substantially the inner portion of thechamber 28.

A plate 35 which is formed with a central opening 36 is disposed at theinner end of the chamber 28, bearing against the inner side of the ring34. The plate 35 forms a valve seat against which a triangular valvemember 3'! is adapted to engage, being normally held against the seatforming member 35 by means of a spring 38.

A cage 39 engages about the spring 38 and is formed with an annularflange 48, bearing against a gasket ring 41 which seats on a shoulder 42formed at the inner end of the chamber 28. The cage 39 is formed with acentral opening or port 43 communicating with a fluid intake port id.The port 44 communicates with a vertical plug guiding bore 45 which isformed in the housing 25. The housing 25 is formed with an annulargroove 44a communicating with port 44 so as to equalize the pressureentirely around the valve plug.

The cold fluid intake nipple 21 communicates with a chamber 45 withinwhich a screen or strainer 41 is disposed, and the chamber 136 hasdisposed .at the inner portion thereof .a check valve structuregenerally designated as 49, which is similar to the check valvestructure hereinbefore described, which includes the plates 35, thevalve 3?, spring 38, and cage'39.

The housing :25 is also formed with a cold water intake port '50,communicatin with the bore 45 at a point below the hot water or fluidintake port 44. A vertical imovable valve plug generally designated as5| is 'slidable in the bore r 45, and in the present instance the valveplug :51, which is formed with a central bore .52, is

provided with a pair of spaced peripheralgrooves '53 and 54 which arecorrelated with the ports 44 and respectively. The housing 25 is formedwith a second annular groove 155a. communicating with port 50 toequalize the pressure around plug 5|. Through the use of the pressureequalizing grooves 44a and 5011 the clearance between head 6!, securedto the .lower portion of the housing 125 by fastenin'gjmembers 62.

The head 6! is formed with a recess 53 which is adapted to communicatewith a regulating chamber 64 by means of one or more passages 65. Thecondesignated as 81 and .88.

trol or regulating chamber 64 is disposed in offset relation withrespect to the bore 45, and a mixing chamber 65 is disposed between thbore 45 and the regulating chamber 64.

The mixing chamber 55 communicates with the bore 45 through ports 61 and68 which are positioned in alignment with the ports 44 and 50respectively. An outlet chamber 65 is disposed at the lower end of thebore 45 and communicates with the mixin chamber 66 and is disposedsubstantially above the Valve struc- .ture 58.

The valve plug 55 includes a counterbore ii! adjacent the upper endthereof, within which a pilot valve H is slidably mounted. The valveplug 5! is formed with a pair of upwardly ex tending slots 12 within.which a pilot guiding pin 13 is slidably mounted. The pin 13 extendsthrough the pilot valve ll, adjacent the upper end thereof and is heldagainst endwise movement as will be hereinafter described. The pilotvalve H is formed with a conical lower end 74 which is adapted to engageon a .seat formin gasket 15 which is carried by the valve plug 5[ at thelower end of the counterbore ill.

The housing 25 has mounted on the .upper wall 16 thereof an electricvalve plug operator generally designated as H. The operator 71 includesa solenoid coil 18 mounted in the casing :Or housing 79, and alsoincludes a hollow core which is slidablein a tubular guide or sleeve 8|disposed Within the coil 18. The core 86 engages loosely about the upperend of the valve plug 5| and is formed with a shoulder 82 against whichthe outer ends of the pin 73 are adapted to engage so that upon upwardmovement of the core 88 the pilot valve II will initially be moved toopen position. After the pilot valve 'H is moved to completely openposition, further upward movement of the valve H will be stopped byengagement of this valve with a split ring 83 which is disposed withinthe up er end portion of the counterbore 10. After the pilot valve Hengages the locking rin 83, further upward movement of core 80 willeffect movement of valve plug 5! therewith. Pressure is communicatedfrom mixing chamber 66 to the interior of guide 8| by means of the space8111 between core and guide 81. The space or passage 8| a provides adashpot act-ion when core 80 moves in either direction so as to cushionthe movement of core 8!! in either direction.

A counter-balancing spring 84 is disposed within the tubular member or:guide 8| and bears at its lower end against .the upper end of the valveplug 5| and bears at its upper end against a plug 85 which is securedwithin the .upper end of the jacket or housing 19 and is extendedthrough a top wall 86.

The regulating chamber 64 has-disposed therein a pair of thermostaticswitch members generally These thermostatic switches 8'! and 88 are ofconventional construction and are of the enclosed type, being enclosedin jackets or casings 89 and 90 respectively so that theseswitches maybe immersed in the fluid passing through the chamber '64. The chamber 54has extending therefrom an outlet nipple 9! which is adapted to beconnected to a receiver such asa washing machine .orthe like.

Referring now to Figure 9, the solenoid T1 is connected at one endthereof to a time operated switch structure 92 by means of a conductor93. The time or clock switch 92 is of conventional construction andincludes a movable switch member or arm 94 actuated by the clockmechanism which is adapted to engage either contact 95 or contact 96.Contact 95 is connected to the thermostatic switch 81 by means of aconductor 91, and contact 96 is connected to thermostatic switch 88 bymeans of a conductor 98. The opposite end of the solenoid 11 isconnected by means of a conductor 99 to one side of a supply source andthe opposite sides of the thermostatic switches 81 and 88 are connectedby means of a common conductor I00 to the oppostie side of the supplysource.

A float operated switch IN is interposed in the conductor I00, betweenthe supply source and the thermostatic switches 81 and 88, and a clockoperated switch I02 is interposed in the conductor 99 between thesolenoid 11 and the supply source.

The switch I02 includes a pair of contacts I03 and ing member I06. Whenthe switch arm 94 is in a circuit breaking position, the switch arm I05is also in circuit breaking position. When the switch arm 94 is inengagement with contact 95, switch arm I05 engages contact I03. Whenswitch arm 94 is in engagement with contact 96, switch arm I05 is inengagement with contact I04.

In order to provide for modulated operation of the solenoid 11, aresistor 15a is connected between conductors 93 and I00. In this mannerwhen either of the thermostatic switches 81 and 88 are in circuitbreaking position, a reduced current force is communicated with thesolenoid 11 so that this solenoid will not immediately provide forcomplete closing of valve plug 5|. The degree of current passing throughthe resistor M611 is such that valve plug 5! will be held in slightlyopen position until the time switch 92 is moved to circuit breakingposition, thereby also breaking the circuit to the solenoid 11 throughswitch IE2, or until float switch IEI is moved to circuit breakingposition.

Where the time switch 92 is changing from a high to a low temperature,and the temperature of the fluid in the valve is above the temperaturefor which the low temperatureswitch 88 is set, switch 88 will remainopen, but resistor I06a will function to hold the main valve againstcomplete closing and permit cold fluid to pass through the valve untilswitch 88 closes. In this manner the flow of fluid through the valvewill not be cut ofi until the end of the time period.

It will be understood that the float associated with the float switchIfiI will be disposed within the washing machine for operation by therise or fall of the level of water or other liquid within the washingmachine.

Referring now to Figure 13, there is disclosed a slightly modified formof this invention wherein the valve plug I01 is formed with a relativelylong annular groove or channel I08, which upon upward movement of theplug I01 through energizing of the solenoid I09 will move to a positioncommunicating the hot water intake port I I0 and the cold water intakeport III with outlet ports H2 and H3. Annular grooves IIIla and IIIacommunicate with ports I I0 and I II respectively, to provide an evenpressure entirely around plug I01. The ports IE2 and I I3 communicatewith a relatively large mixing chamber I I4 within which are disposedthermostatic switch members H5, H6 and I11. The switch members H5, II6and I I1 are connected to one end of the solenoid I09 by means of acommon conductor H8, and the thermostatic switch members are connectedtoa timing switch member II9 by means of conductors I20, I2I and I22respectively.

A resistor I23, similar to resistor I06a is connected across conductorH8 and time switch II9 for energizing solenoid I09 sufliciently to holdvalve I01 against complete closing when any one of the thermostaticswitches is open and timer H9 is still in circuit closing position. Afloat operated switch I25 is interposed in conductor I24 for cutting offcurrent to the solenoid I09 when the receiver has been filled to apredetermined degree.

Referring now to Figures 14 to 16 inclusive, the numeral I25 designatesgenerally a valve housing formed with fluid intake ports I21 and I28 foradmission of hot and cold fluid respectively. The housing I25 includes avertically disposed bore I29 within which a valve plug I30 is slidablymounted. The housing I26 is formed with annular grooves I210, and I 3I1acommunieating with ports I21 and I28 respectively, so as to equalize theintake pressure around plug The bore I29 extends across the ports I21and I28 and the plug I30 is provided with a pair of lengthwise spacedapart annular grooves I3I and I32, correlated with ports I21 and I28 sothat upon upward movement of plug I30 ports I21 and I 28 will bedisposed in communication with grooves HI and I 32 respectively. Whenplug I30 is in closed position engaging a valve seat I33, groove orchannel I 32 will be in regposition by means of a spring I35 and isadapted movement of a solenoid core I36 associated with.

' housing I 26.

to be moved to selected open position by upward a solenoid coil I31mounted on the upper side of the housing I26. The chamber I34 hassecured to the outer end thereof a plate or head I38 formed with abushing I39 and seal I39a, through which a shaft I40 rotatably engages.The shaft I40 is connected to the inner convolution or end of a spiralthermostatic member I4I which has the opposite end I42 fixed to the Theshaft I40 has fixed to its outer end a wiper or rheostat arm I43 whichis adapted to wipe over a resistance member I44 fixed to the plate orhead I38 on the outside of the chamber I34.

One end of the resistor I44 is connected by means of a conductor I45 toone end of the solenoid coil I31, and the other end of the coil I31 isconnected by conductonMB to a source of electric current supply. Thewiper I43 is connected by means of a conductor I41 to a time or clockswitch I48, which includes a pair of contacts I49 and I50, engageable bya movable switch arm I 5I. Contact I50 is connected to conductor I41 bymeans of a conductor I52'and a resistor I53 is interposed betweenconductor I52 and conductor I41 so that a small amount of electriccurrent will pass through conductor I41 when wiper I5! is in engagementwith contact I50. The value of resistor I53 is calculated such that itsvalue plus the value of the resistance of rheostat I43I44 betweencontact arm I43 and conductor I45 will provide the necessary smallamount of currentpassing to solenoid I 31 to thereby effect the requiredmovement and positioning of valve plug I30 to obtain'fthe selected ordesired temperature of fluid passing through the valve.

A conductor I52a is connected between switch arm II and the oppositeside of the electric I current supply.

Referring now to Figures 17 to 22 inclusive,

there is disclosed another modification of this invention which includesa valve housing I54 having a pair of intake nipples I55 and I59 foradmitting hot and cold fluids respectively.

"The. housing I54 is formed with ports I51 and I58 correlated withintake nipples I55 and I55 respectively, the ports I51 and I58communicating at their inner ends with a mixing chamber The housing I54includes a vertically disposed valve plug guiding bore 1-59 whichintersects the ports I51 and i518, and a plug I9! is loosely mountedwithin the guide bore I99. Housing I54 is formed with annular grooves 5mand I58a communicating with ports I51 and I58 so as to equalize intakepressure around plug IBI. The

' plug I6I is formed with a single relatively long .peripheral grooveI92 which is adapted to be disposed substantial registry with the coldfluid port I58 when the lower end of the plug ISI. engages on a valveseat I53. An outlet nipple I94 is threaded into the bottom wall I55 ofthe housing I54 and is counterbored for receiving the valve seat I99 atits inner end.

The valve plug IBI is formed with a longitudina-l bore I95 and also witha reduced diameter -counterbore IE1 at its lower end which is smaller indiameter than the opening through the seat I63. The upper portion of thevalve plug ISI is 1 formed with a second counterbore I 58, forming hasmounted in an internal groove I14 a split locking .ring I15 which limitsthe upward movement of the pilot valve I1I. A solenoid member, generallydesignated as H6, is mounted on the upper wall I11 of the housing I54and includes a coil i1-9, engaging about a tubular member I19 whichforms a guide for the solenoid core I89. The core I89 is looselydisposed within guide I19, there being a space I8! between guide I19 andcore I89 which forms a sufflciently high resistance flow path for theliquid in guide I19 so that movement of core I89 can occur when forcesare applied to the core. A spring I82 which constitutes a balancingspring, and a plug moving spring is disposed on the upper end of thevalve plug I GI, and the spring I82 at its upper end, bears against aplug I858 positioned within the tubular member I19.

When the plug I5I moves upwardly, spring I82 will be tensioned thereby,the degree of current in solenoid coil I18 and the tension of spring I82determining the position of plug IESI.

The mixing chamber I59 which also constitutes a regulating chamber hasdisposed therein three thermostatic switch members I 94, I95 and I86which are similar to the thermostatic switch members 81 and 88. Theelectric circuits between the thermostatic switches I94, I85 and I86 andthe solenoid I16, together with the time switch and'the float switch areidentical with the electric circuits embodied in Figure 9.

Referring now to Figure 23, there is disclosed a slightly modified formof the structure shown in greater detail in Figure 22. The valve plugIBIa has associated therewith a pilot'valve I1Ia A Valve IN is slidablein :5

and the upper end portion of the plug. .I.5.I.a. is formed with apairofdiametrically disposed slots I12a which in the present instanceterminate short of the upper end of the plug ISI-a. The pilot valve I1Iahas extending therethrough a pin I13a which loosely engages in the slotsI12a and extends into a counterbore I81 which is formed in the solenoidcore IBM. The upper end of the plug .I'6Ia has mounted thereon a capI88, about which the lower end of a spring I89 engages. The .upper endof the spring I89 engages about a depending stud I99, carried by a plugI9I, secured within the upper end portion of the guide tube I92 for thecore IBM. The plug I9I has extending upwardly therefrom a stud I93 onwhich a nut or securing member I94 is mounted to hold the solenoid coiland housing against removal. In the present instance the spring I89 willconstantly urge the plug I6I to closed position in View of the fact thatthe upper end of spring I89 bears against the lower side of plug I9I..There is a space I92a between core I89a and guide I92 to provide asuificiently high resistance flow path for the water so that movementcan occur when forces are applied to the magnetic core.

In Figure 24 there is shown a mod fied electric circuit for use with anyone of the valve structures herein disclosed. The solenoid coil 11a isconnected at one end by conductor 99a to one side of a supply source,and the other end of coil 31a is connected by-conductor 93a tothermostatic switches 81a and 88a. Switches 81a and 88a are connected byconductors 91a and 98a to timer 92a. In the present instance switchI99l) forms a part of t'mer 92a and switch I961) is connected to a tap11b .in coil 11a at such a point along coil 11a that suflicient currentwill pass to coil 11a to keep the main and pilot valves against completeclosing when a thermostatic switch is open and timer 92a is still incircuit closing position. The purpose for tapping into coil 11a and theresults obtained thereby are the same as for resistor I860: shown inFigure 9. A float switch IOIa is interposed in conductor I991; betweentimer 92a and the other side of the supply source, and a manual cut-ofiswitch 992) is interposed in conductor 99a.

As shown in Figure 22, outlet nipple I94 is threaded into housing I54and includes a boss I95 having a reatively large bore I95 in which apressure reducing valve I91 of triangular configuration is looselymounted. A spring I98 which is seated at its lower end in a counterboreI99 bears at its. upper end against valve member I91. Under increasedpressure through outlet port I61 valve I91 will move downwardly towardseat 299 and thereby restrict the flow of fluid through the bore ofnipple I64 and also reduce the pressure of the discharged fluid. Thepressure reducing structure shown in Figure 22 may be incorporated withthe outlet of any one of the valves herein disclosed.

In the use and operation of this valve structure, the intake nipples 26and 21 of the structure shown in Figures 1 to 12 inclusive will beconnected to a source of hot and cold water respectively. Nipple 9| willbe connected with a washing machine or other receiver of the temperedfluid. When it is desired to discharge fluid of a predeterminedtemperature into the receiver, the switch arm 94 is connected witheither contact 95 or 96. Assuming that arm 94 is connected with contact95, the temperature of the fluid passing through the valve structurewaste for discharge into the receiver will be substantially 145. Whenthe receiver is empty, float switch IUI will be disposed in closedposition and when arm 94 engages contact 95, arm I will engage contactI03.

Solenoid TI will raise valve plug 5| so that groove 53 will communicatehot water port 44 with port M and at this time groove 54'may be inpartial registry with ports 50 and 68. With fluid passing through ports44 and 61 and ports 50 and 54, the check valves at the inner ends ofchambers 28 and 46 will move to open position. When solenoid coil I8 isinitially energized, core 8!] will move upwardly and in the initialupward movement of core 80 there will be a lost motion between this coreand the pilot and main valve plug members. After core 80 moves upwardlya predetermined distance, shoulder 82 of core 80 will strike pin I3 atthe ends thereof, thereby causing a hammer blow on the plug 'II andafter plug 'II has moved upwardly a predeterm ned distance, the upperend of plug II will strike locking ring 83 so that main valve plug 5|will be given a hammer blow to move this main valve plug to open ormixing position.

In operation, valve plug 5| will be oscillated up and down with thelower end of the valve plug in open position. The vertical position ofValve plug 5| will be regulated by opening and closing of thermostaticswitch 87. All of these thermostatic switches are of highly sensitivecharacteristic so that they will move to either open or closed positionby slight variation of temperature in the fluid within which theseswitches are immersed.

The structure embodied in Figure 13 will operate in the same manner asthe structure embodied in Figures 1 to 12 inclusive.

The structure embodied in Figures 14 to 16 will operate in the samemanner as the structure embodied in Figures 1 to 12 inclusive, with theexception that the amount of electric current to the solenoid I3! isregulated by the position of the rheostat arm I43 which is swung acrossthe resistance I44 by expansion or contraction of bimetallic member I4I.When relatively hot fluid is desired, switch arm I5I is moved to contactI49 of time switch member I48 and at this time, inasmuch as chamber I34contains cold fluid, arm I43 will have been moved in a counter-clockwisedirection.

With respect to the resistance member I44, when a lower temperature offluid passes through the chamber I34, thermostatic member I4I will swingwiper or rheostat arm I43 counter-clockwise, as viewed in Figure 16.With a greater resistance between solenoid I31 and the supply source,solenoid core I35 will not rise as high as where hotter fluid isdesired, and groove I3I will be disposed at least partially out ofregistry with port I21, whereas groove I32 will be disposed almostcompletely in registry with port I28.

Resistance I53 is calculated such that when switch arm I 5! is adjusted,as an example to 100, rheostat arm I43 will be efiective to regulate theoperation of solenoid I31 within one zone of resistance I44 such thatvalve plug I39 will be maintained by solenoid I31 and spring I35 in aposition to dispose 100 liquid in chamber I34, and when arm I5I isengaged with contact I 49 resistance I53 will be bypassed so that armI43 will operate in another zone of resistance I44 and will provide forhigher temperature of liquid in chamber I 34.

The structure shown in Figures 17 to 23 will operate in substantiallythe same manner as for the structure shown in Figures 1 to 12 inclusive.It will be noted particularly that the valve plugs 5I', IBI and I6Ia areof substantially smaller diameter than the guide bores for these plugsso that fluid pressure will be communicated to the upper ends of boththe main and the pilot plugs and so that the fluids within the guidemembers for the solenoid cores may flow downward when the cores and thevalve plugs are moved upward to open position. This slight space is,however, of substantially a size that fluid cannot flow from one port tothe other in either the open or closed position of the valve plug.

The clearance spaces between the core members and the core guides tendto retard the quick movement of the core members to valve openingposition, as the core members are retarded in their movement by the flowof liquid through v these spaces. There is, therefore, provided adashpot or cushioning action which will retard the oscillatory movementof the plugs, reduce the frequency of the repeated closing and breakingof the circuit to the solenoid by any one of the thermostatic switches,prolong the useful life of the switches, and provide a time period forheat transfer to the thermostatic switches.

It might be stated that with respect to Figures 4 and 22, the springs 84and I32 will serve as a counter-balancing means against the magneticforce moving the solenoid cores 8i] and 58E upwardly. When the currentto the solenoid has been cut off by opening of a thermostatic switch,the springs 84 and I82 will expand rapidly so that the valve cores willby expansion of the springs be assisted in their gravity movement toclosed position.

I do not mean to confine myself to the exact details of constructionherein disclosed, but claim all variations falling within the purview ofthe appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A temperature controlled mixing valve comprising a housing formedwith at least two fluid intake ports, a mixing chamber communicatingwith said ports, said housing also having an outlet port communicatingwith said chamber, a

valve seat between said outlet port and said chamber, a valve plugslidably carried by said housing intersecting said intake ports andformed with means normally registering with one of said intake ports andnormally closing the other of said intake ports when said plug isengaged on said seat, an electric operator connected with said plugcarried by said housing for moving said plug to open position, springmeans for moving said plug to closed position and counter-balancing themagnetic force generated by saidoperafor when said plug is moved to openposition, and thermostatic switch means carried by said housing disposedin heat exchange relation "with the fluid in said chamber connected withsaid operator whereby said operator will move the plug to open positionin accordance with the temperature of fluid passing through saidchamber.

2. A temperature controlled mixing valve comprising a housing formedwith at least two fluid intake ports, a mixing chamber communicatingwith said ports, said housing also having an outlet port communicatingwith said chamber, a valve seat between said outlet port and saidchamber, a valve plug slidably carried by said housing intersecting saidintake ports and formed with a pair of grooves, one of said groovesnormally registering with one of said intake ports and the other of saidgrooves being normally out of reg'istry with the other'of said intakeports whensa-idplug is engaged on said seat, an elecme operator for saidplug carried by said housmg for moving said plug to open position,spring means for moving said plug to closed position andcounter-balancing the magnetic force generated by's'aid operator whensaid plug is moved to open position, and thermostatic switch meanscarried by said housing in said mixing chamber, connected with saidoperator whereby said operator will m'ovethe plug'to open position inaccordance with" thete'mperature of fluid passing through said chamber.

"3 Ater'nperature controlled mixing valve comprising 'a housing formedwith at least two fluid i ntake ports, a mixing chamber communicatingwith said ports, said housing also havmg a'n outlet port communicatingwith said chamber, 'a valve seat between said outlet port andF-saidchamber, a valve plug slidably carried bysaid housing intersecting saidintake ports andi"'fdrmed*with a pair of grooves, one of said groovesnormally registering with one of said intake ports and the other of saidgrooves being normally out of registry with the other of said intakeports when said plug is engaged on said seat, an electric operator forsaid plug carried by said housing for moving said plug to open position,spring means for moving said plug to closed position andcounter-balancing the 'magne'tic force generated by said operatorwhensaid plug is moved to open position, a regulating chamber in saidhousing between said seatand said' outlet port, and thermostaticswitch'means' carried by said housing in said regulating chamberconnected with said operator said operator will move said plug to said;open position in accordance with the temperature of fluid passingthrough said regulating chamber.

4, In combination a tempered mixing means comprising aiiuid mixing valvespring pressed to, closed position, an electric operator for movmg saidvalve to open position, thermostatic switch means connected with saidoperator whereby said operator will move said valve to open position inaccordance with the temperature of the fluids passing through saidvalve, a time switch connected with said thermostatic means,and-resistance means connected between one; side of the electric supplysource and said operator whereby to effect reduced movement of; saidoperator when said thermostatic switch.

operator when said thermostatic switch means is in-circuit breakingposition, a switch inter posed between the opposite side of saidoperator and the opposite side of' the supply source, and an "operativeconnection between said switch and said time switch.

v latter 6. In combination a tempered mixing means comprising a fluid"mixing valve sipringpfessed to closed position'; anelectric' operatorfor mcvin'g'said valve to open position, thermostatic switch meansconnected with said operator whereby said operator will" move said"valve to open position in accordance with the'tempera ture of thefluids passing through said valvefa time switch connected "with saidthermostatic means, resistor means connected betweeu'one side of theelectric supply source and said op-f erator whereby to effect reducedovement or saidoperatonwh'en said thermostatic switch means is incircuitbreaking 'position'tothereby produce a mixture of reduced temperature, aswitch interposed between the opposite side of said operator andthefopposite, side of the sup} p y source, an operative connectionbetween said latter switch and said time switch, and a float switchinterposed in said one side of saidsupp ly; source.

7. A temperature controlled mixing valvecom; prising a housing having apair of fluidint' e ports, a mixing chamber in said housing communicating with said intake ports, a valve plug intersecting said intakeports, a regulating chamber carried by said housing, saidfhou'singhaving a passage communicating said mixing? and regulating chambers, 'a'valve; seat inisaidj passage engageable'by said valvehplug', anjel' tricoperator connected with saidplu'gfs'prin means between said plug, and, a'flxedf po of said operator adapted to be tensioned movement of saidplug to open. position and for normally urging said plug to closedposition, and. thermostatic switch means, in'. said regulating chamber"connected with} said, operator whereby said operator will move saiaplug to open position infacc'ordance with the tempera;-

ture' of fluid in said regulating chambensaid regulating chamber havingan outlet port, for, discharge, of fluid therefrom. u t I 8. Atemperature controlledgmixing valve comprising a housing havinga pair offluid intakec P a mixing mhe i a housin om: municating with saidintake-,pqrts, avalve plug; intersecting said intake ports, a;regulating, chamber carried by said housing, aid housing, having apassage communicatin said mixing and regulating chambers, a valve seatin said."v passage engageable by said valve plug, an,electric operatorconnected with. saidiplug, a, lost, motion connection between; saidoperatorandi said plug, spring means, between. said; plug and a fixedportion of said.operator adaptedrto, be tensioned by movement of'said.plug to open position and for normally urging. 'said plug'to closedposition, and thermostatic 'switch means in said regulating chamberconnectedwith'said operator whereby said operator will"move'said' plugto open position in accordance with the temperature of fluid in saidregulating chamber, said regulating chamber having an" outlet poi-t" rfor discharge of fluid therefrom."

9. A temperature controlled mixing valve comprising a housing having apair .ffluid intak ports, a combined mixin'g and regulating chamber insaid housing commun'icatingwith and ports, a valve plug slidablycarriedby said housing and" intersecting said ports andformed'with alpair of annular grooves for selective registry with said" ports, a valveseat carried by said housing eii'g a e able by said plug whenthelatter'is "in closed position, said housinghaviiig ar'i dlitlt 'poi't'itending from said seat and communicating with said chamber, anelectric operator connected with said plug adapted upon energizationthereof to move said plug to open position, a spring constantly urgingsaid plug toward said seat, a spiral thermostatic member in saidchamber, a shaft connected with and rotatable by said thermostaticmember, and a rheostat carried by said housing connected at one sidethereof to said operator, said rheostat including a resistance fixed tosaid housing, and a wiper arm flxed to said shaft and having Wipingengagement with said resistance.

10. A temperature controlled mixing valve comprising a housing having apair of fluid intake ports, a combined mixing and regulating chamber insaid housing communicating with said ports, a valve plug slidablycarried by said housing and intersecting said ports and formed with apair of annular grooves for selective registry with said ports, anoutlet nipple carried by said housing communicating with said chamber, avalve seat for said plug carried by the inner end of said nipple, aspring constantly urging said plug toward said seat, an electricoperator for said plug carried by said housing adapted upon energizationthereof to move said plug 015? said seat and simultaneously dispose bothof said grooves in communication with said ports, a lost motionconnection between said operator and said plug, a plurality ofthermostatic switch members in said chamber connected with saidoperator.

11. A temperature controlled mixing valve comprising a housing having apair of fluid intake ports, a combined mixing and regulating chamber insaid housing communicating with said ports, a valve plug slidablycarried by said housing and intersecting said ports and formed with apair of annular grooves for selective registry with said ports, anoutlet nipple carried by said housing communicating with said chamber, avalve seat for said plug carried by the inner end of said nipple, aspring constantlyurging said plug toward said seat, an electric operatorfor said plug carried by said housing adapted upon energization thereofto move said plug off said seat and simultaneously dispose both of saidgrooves with said ports, a lost motion connection between said operatorand said plug, a plurality of thermostatic switch members in saidchamber connected with said operator, a pilot valve carried by saidplug, and means carried by said pilot valve whereby the latter will bemoved to open position by said operator before said plug is moved toopen position.

12. A temperature controlled mixing valve comprising a housing having apair of fluid intake ports, a combined mixing and regulating chamber insaid housing communicating with said ports, a valve plug slidablycarried by said housing and intersecting said ports and having a pair ofannular grooves adapted for selective communication with said ports,said housing having an outlet port communicating with said chamber, anelectric operator connected with said plug adapted upon energizationthereof to move said plug ofi said seat and simultaneously dispose bothof said grooves in communication with said ports, a thermostatic membecorrelated with said chamber, and a variable resistance unit connectedwith said operator and correlated with said thermostatic member andoperable thereby whereby to vary the efiectiveness of said operator.

13. In combination a tempered mixing means ing said plug to openposition, and thermostatic.

comprising a fluid mixing valve spring pressed to a closed position, anelectric operator connected with said valve for moving said valve toopen position, thermostatic switch means connected with said operatorand in heat exchange relation with the fluid passing through said valvewhereby said operator will move said valve to open position inaccordance with the temperature of the fluids passing through saidvalve, a time switch.

connected with said thermostatic means, a resistor connected between oneside of the electric, supply source and said operator whereby to effectreduced movement of said operator when said thermostatic switch means isin circuit breaking position to thereby produce a mixture of reducedtemperature, and a switch interposed between theopposite side of saidoperator and the opposite side of the supply source.

14. In combination a tempered mixing means comprising a fluid mixingvalve spring-pressed to closed position, an electric operator connectedwith said valve for moving said valve to open position, thermostaticswitch means connected with said operator and in heat exchange relationwith the fluid passing through said valve whereby said operator willmove said valve tov open position in accordance with the temperature ofthe fluids passing through said Valve, a time switch connected with saidthermostatic means,

means connected between one side of the electric supply source and saidoperator whereby to efiect reduced movement of said operator when saidthermostatic switch means is in circuit breaking position to therebyproduce a mixture of reducedtemperature, a switch interposed between theopposite side of said operator and the opposite; side of the supplysource, and a float switch interposed in said one side of said supplysource.

15. A temperature controlled mixing valve com-prising a housing formedwith at least twoswitch means carried by said housing connected withsaid operator and in heat exchange relation with the fluid in saidchamber whereby said operator will move said plug to open position inaccordance with the temperature of fluid passing through said chamber.

16. A temperature controlled mixing valve comprising a housing formedwith at least two fluid intake ports, a mixing chamber communcating withsaid ports, said housing also having I an outlet port communicating withsaid chamber, a valve seat between said outlet port and said chamber, avalve plug slidably carried by said housing intersecting said intakeports and formed with a pair of annular grooves, one of said groovesnormally registering with one of said intake ports and the other of saidgrooves being normally out of registry with the other of saidintakeports when said plug is engaged on said seat, an electric operator forsaid plug carried by said housing for moving said plugto open position,and thermostatic switch means carried-by said nous moane ing in saidmixing chamber connectedvvith said.

operator "whereby said operator will move said plug-to open positioninaccordance with the temperature of fluid passing through said chamber.

1.7. A temperature. controlled mixing valve comprising a housing formedwith at least two fluid -intak'e .ports,..a mixing chamber communicatingwith said ports, said housing also having an outletpQrtcQmmunicatingwith saidchamber, a valve seat between said outlet port and saidchamber, a valve plug slidably carried by said housing formed with apair of annular grooves, one of said grooves normally registering withone of said'intake ports and the other ofsaid groovesibeing normally outof registry with and normally closing the other of said intake portswhen said plug is engaged on said seat, an electric operator for saidplug carried by said housing for moving said-plug to openposition, a regulating chamber in saidhousing between said seat andsaid-outlet.

port, and thermostatic switch means carried by :said housing in saidregulating chamber icon- :nected'with said operator :whereby saidoperator 'willmove said plug to openposition in accordance with thetemperature of fluid passing through :said regulating chamber.

18. A temperature controlled mixing valve comprising 'a housing formedwith at least two fluid intake ports,'a mixing chamber tcommunicatingwith said ports, said housingalso having an outlet port. communicatingwith said chamber, :a valve seat between said .outlet portandsaidchamber, a valve :plug slidably carried by said housing intersectingsai'di intake ports. and. formed with 'a pair of annular grooves,pone ofsaid grooves normally registering with one'of saidintakaports and theother of said groovesbeing. normally out of registry with the other ofsaidintake ports when-said plug. is. engaged on said: seat,; anelectric; operatoriforisaid plug carriedi by said housing for 'movingsai'dplug to open position,spring meanszfor moving said. plugztorclosed;position and counter-balancing the magnetic force generated bysaidoperatoruwhen saidplugis moved to open position, and thermostaticswitchmeans connected'with said operator whereby said operatorwillimove-said plug to open position: in-iaccordance with thetemperatureof fluiddischarged from said housing.

119. 9A temperature controlled -mix-ing valve comprisinga housing formedwith atrleasttwo fluid intake ports,. a mixing: chamber-"communicatingwithsaid ports, said a housing also havingan outlet portcommunicatingiwith said chamber, a yalve'seat'between said outlet port.and said chamber, a valve-plug slidably carried by. said housingintersecting said intake ports and, formed with a pair of annulargrooves; one of said grooves normally registering with one of saidintake ports and the other of said grooves being normally out of'registry'with the other of saidiintakeiports when said plug. is engagedon said seat, anelectric-operator for said plug carried by said housingformovingsaidplug to open position, and thermostatic switch meansconnected with said'operator :and- :disposedin heat. exchange relationwith respect tozsaid-chamber wherebysaid operator willmoveasaid-plug:toopen position in accordance .with the temperature of fluid dischargedfrom said housing.

20. A temperature controlled mixing valve comprising a; housing-formedwith at least two fluid. mtake' ports, a. mixing chamber communieating?with; said: -ports,.- said housing. .also. having intersecting saidintake ports and.

anoutletport communicating withv said chamber, a. valve seat betweensaid outlet port and said chamber, a valve plug slidably carried by saidhousing intersecting said intake ports and formed witha pairofannular'grooves, one of saidgroovesv normallyregistering with one ofsaid intake ports and :the other of said grooves being normally out ofregistry with the. other of said intake ports when said plug is engagedon said seat, an electric operator for said .plug carried by saidhousing for moving said .plug'to open position, spring means formovingsaid plug to closed position and counter-balancing the magneticforce generated by said operator when said plug is moved to openposition, a regulating chamber in said housing between said seat andsaid outlet port, and thermostatic-switch means connected with saidoperator and disposed in heat exchange relation with respect to saidchamber whereby said operator will move said plug to open position inaccordance with the temperature of fluid discharged from said housing.

21'. In combination a tempered mixing means comprising a fluid mixingvalve having a pair of intake portsand an outletport, a valve plugcorrelated with said intake ports, an electric operator for said plug,thermostatic current regulating means connected with said operatorwhereby said operator will move said plug to open position in accordancewith the temperature of the fluids passing through said-valve, a timeswitch connected with said thermostatic means, and resistance meansconnected between one side -ofthe electric supply sourcean'd saidoperator whereby to eiiect'reduced movement of said operator when saidthermostatic current regulating means is in circuit breaking position tothereby produce a mixture of reduced temperature. 7

'22. ,In combinationa tempered mixing means comprisinga fluid mixingvalve having a pair of intake ports and. an.out1et port, a valve plugcorrelatedwith said'intake ports, an electric operatorforsaid plug,thermostatic switch means connected .with-saidoperator whereby saidoperator willmovesaid plug to. openposition in accordance with thetemperature of, the fluids passing through said valve,.and resistancemeans connected betweenonesideof the electric supply source and saidoperator whereby to effect reduced movement. of said operator when saidthermostatic-switch means isin circuit breaking positiontotherebyproduce amixture of reduced temperature.

23. A temperature controlled mixing valve comprising a housinghavingapair of fluid-intake ports, .a combined ,-.mixin g and regulatingchamher in saidhousing communicating with said ports, avalveplugslidablyv carried by said housing and intersecting said ports, said plughaving a, pair of annular grooves sozpositioned thatone of saidgrooveswill normallybe in registry with one of said. intakeports, and the otherof said grooves will be. normally out. of. registry with the other ofsaid intakeports, a valve seat carried by said housing engageable bysaidplug, said housing having. an. outletport. extending from said seatand communicating withsaid chamber, an electriooperator connected with.said plug, anda themal responsive current regulator in said chamberconnected with said operator whereby saidoperatorwijll move said plug toopen position accordingto .the,,temperature of fluid in said chamber.

..24...A temperature controlled mixing valve 17 comprising a housinghaving a pair of fluid intake ports, a combined mixing and regulatingchamber in said housing communicating with said ports, a valve plugslidably carried by said housing and intersecting said ports, said plughaving a pair of annular grooves so positioned that one of said grooveswill normally be in registry with one of said intake ports, and theother of said grooves Will be normally out of registry with the other ofsaid intake ports, an outlet nipple carried by said housingcommunicating with said chamber, a valve seat for said plug carried bythe inner end of said nipple, an electric operato for said plug carriedby said housing, a lost motion connection between said operator and saidplug, said operator including means for retarding the movement of saidplug to open and mixing position to thereby produce a mixture of reducedtem- 18 perature, and a plurality of thermostatic switch members in saidchamber connected with said operator.

CHARLES R. SUSKA.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS

